Did you finally learn that life lesson long after you really needed it? Look at it this way: Now others can put your life experience to good use. Nothing we have or love is guaranteed to be here tomorrow, so please try not to take anyone or anything for granted.
What is the best life lesson you’ve picked up along your journey? Who wouldn’t want a good life, emotional fulfillment, financial success, a loving family, and true friends? I know, money can’t buy happiness, but you’d rather cry in a mansion. Or in the immortal words of the IRS auditor: “The trick is to stop thinking of it as ‘your’ money.”
But honestly, one of the most powerful real-life lessons is this: You can learn something from everything that happens to you in your life. Life, after all, is much more about the adventure, not the final destination.
You are a treasure. Believe in your value and worth. Sometimes your outlook on life determines life’s attitude toward you. We tend to attract what we focus on my friends. So what do you think about all day long? You want the world to be different? Then you need to make a difference. Sure, we can gripe and grumble, but what steps have you taken to change the world lately? Isn’t it amazing how the world begins to change through the eyes of a cup of coffee? Hey, sometimes I go for hours without drinking coffee. It’s called sleeping. My formula? E=MC2 (Energy=Milk x Coffee2).
But truly, choose your own beaten path and walk it with pride and dignity. Do not allow others’ criticisms and critiques quash your determination and dreams. You know what they say: What comes easy won’t last; what lasts won’t come easy. How much effort and energy do you put into each day?
If you need to constantly surround yourself with friends, please take advantage of some solitude and get in touch with your inner self. Don’t resist some quiet time. There’s no Wi-Fi in the morning forest; but you will find a better connection.
If you don’t take a step forward, you will always be in the same place. Are you simply sitting around waiting for better days? Live. Think less and act more, sweet friends. Is today worth remembering? Share your passion and playfulness. Trust me, subtle changes can make a big difference.
You cannot relive your past, but guess what? You can gain experience. Zero in on love and do not live in fear. Please do not try to force your presumptions and perceptions on others. Be adaptable and flexible. If your plan didn’t work, change the plan, not your goal.
Slow down, sweet friends. Allow your life to unfurl and unfold. You may just be surprised where it takes you. Take a quick look around you. G’head, do it now. Notice the small things. Always going full throttle may be a one-way ticket to nervous exhaustion. You know, life does come with a set of instructions. Unfortunately, they’re from Ikea. Above all, do not let your life pass you by.
Don’t fret about others’ approval. Speak up for yourself if need be. Be self-assertive and self-assured, and by all means, be tried and true when it comes to your cherished values.
All the things you like are either illegal or fattening? You only ate the entire bag of chips in one sitting so you won’t be tempted to eat the chips later. I get it. Today you bought a cupcake without the sprinkles. I know; diets are hard. But seriously, please do not take your health for granted.
Don’t underestimate your abilities. That’s your boss’ job. Oftentimes, things simply do not work out the way we planned. Dreams do not always come true. Do not fret over the picture-perfect life you imagined. Just continue to move in the right direction and ask yourself what productive thing you can do just for today.
Believe me: No one has all the answers. Life will always be a mystery. Like, why did the Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Or why is it so much easier to fall asleep on the sofa unintentionally, than to fall asleep in bed intentionally? Hmmm. So, practice saying, “I don’t know.” You would think a know-it-all would already know that nobody likes a know-it-all. Then again, those who think they know it all have no way of finding out that they don’t. Be humble, please.
And always bear in mind: Sometimes things don’t make sense until the end of the story.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.